They have dominated basically every major race in New Zealand and the Eastern side of Australia and now the All Star Team are ready to conquer the West with the new King and Queen of Australasian Harness Racing.
Champion New Zealand trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen gave the strongest indication superstar pacer Have Faith In Me will compete in the TABtouch Inter Dominion, when the connections of the Miracle Mile winner became the first to make the non-refundable continuance payment, which is not due until Friday 7 October.
While Have Faith in Me’s brilliant stablemate and close relation (Our) Dream About Me is a strong possibility to run in the feature mare races over the carnival.
“I am waiting on IRT to have flight plans confirmed, so a lot hangs on those flight plans, but if they’re suitable they’re a strong chance of going,” Mark Purdon said on TAB Radio’s Sports Daily.
Have Faith In Me is set to have his first race start since his record breaking Miracle Mile victory in the New Brighton Cup at Addington next Friday.
“He had a really good spell, three months off after the Miracle Mile and it did him the world of good and he’s strengthened up and he’s come back a little bit stronger this time.”
Have Faith In Me is now the third favourite at $7 with TABtouch for the Inter Dominion and if the travel plans work out he will start favourite for the Sport’s greatest race.
“I knew he would have a good preparation under his belt if we decide to bring him and he would handle the three heats.
Purdon also ended any fear that Gloucester Park would be a concern for Australasia’s most exciting pacer.
“He has the ability to make his own luck and that’s a big advantage and I’m sure at the right time would be able to work around them and sit outside of them and that wouldn’t worry him,” Purdon said.
Have Faith In Me and his stable mate Smolda would make the trip to Perth after their New Zealand Cup campaign.
Smolda a stable favourite has also returned in fine fashion.
“He’s a real warrior and he’s had his set-backs over the years but he bounces back and he’s as sound as he’s ever been”, Purdon said.
Just to add to the excitement the All Stars expect to have champion mare (Our) Dream About Me on that plane to Perth.
“We have three nice mares here and might have to break them up. Dream About Me is on the short list for the WA Mares races and we’re still talking about a four year old,” Purdon said.
The first round of heats of the Inter Dominion start on November 25 at Gloucester Park.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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